24 MAY 2018

Barker Stops Rotolo In Four

Darren Barker stopped Italian Simone Rotolo inside four rounds to claim the IBO intercontinental middleweight title at the Wembley Arena on Saturday night.

Although Rotolo pulled out after the fourth round because of a hand injury it did look as though he was on the verge of being stopped.

Barker staggered Rotolo with an overhand right in the first round and a body shot followed to send him to the canvas.

Rotolo managed to regain his composure but Barker continued to dominate the remaining four rounds until the stoppage.

Barker, 25-1 was delighted with his performance and told Sky Sports afterwards: "I have been training really hard. I think I have been believing in my strength a bit more lately and calling on my experience.

"He was quite an awkward opponent. No disrespect, he didn’t look a million dollars but he knew his way around the ring. It was just a case of me closing up the space, not letting him get his shots off - which he did early on to be honest - and I knew my strength would overpower him in the end.